Writer and English professor Karen Swallow Prior has noticed a trend among her students: they're not sure how to think biblically in a world grappling with social issues that change by the minute. People talk at length about these issues on social media, where the comments section can devolve into a name-calling free-for-all in a matter of seconds. Karen shares how to keep yourself open enough to reconsider your views without compromising your values, and how to have civil conversations seasoned with grace among people you may not see eye to eye with, both online and off. She also reminds us that believers bear an important responsibility: anytime we enter the public arena, we need to make sure to take the Spirit with us. Quotes
"I think the most important thing is to be filled by the Spirit. We know when we're filled with the Holy Spirit, because we'll exhibit the fruit of the Spirit. We'll exhibit love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and—perhaps most importantly in this age—self-control." —Karen Swallow Prior
"I've had to put it in the Lord's hands. I plan my way, I hone my craft, I try to do good work, but I really believe that it's all the Lord's doing. And so I call Him now the Lord of my schedule, because I just want every part of my day and all of my work to be guided by Him and the opportunities to be guided by Him. Everything that I end up doing, I want to glorify Him." —Karen Swallow Prior, on her writing career
"As the world changes, we see more Christians who hold very different views on what to me are very fundamental issues. I see it as an opportunity to think about their view and ask myself why I think theirs is wrong and mine is right. Then I also ask, 'Well, maybe there's something in between.'" —Karen Swallow Prior
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Resources Mentioned in This Episode
Cultural Engagement by Karen Swallow Prior
Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary
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